There is a very intense and serious race taking place in our society.
It is the Great Race to replace human expertise by duplicating it or even making it better via software.
Whether it’s an app on your smartphone or an engineering marvel, the world is fundamentally changing around us.
If your business makes alarm clocks, you should be alarmed by the simple app most people use on their phones.
If you cast molds for models, you should probably invest in a 3D printing device.
If you are a cashier, you should be paying close attention to the self-service registers popping up next to you.
And if you’re an expert marksman, even your honed in skills, which took decades to perfect, can be replaced.
Change is not coming. It is here.
Great rewards await those in the race.
Tough times await those watching the race go by.

DARPA, the advanced research wing of the US Department of Defense, has developed a prototype for a self-guiding bullet. These things can literally redirect themselves mid-flight to ensure they hit their target, even if thrown off course by high winds or a shooter error.

Thanks to Groupon and other group deal web sites, I’ve been to a number of business establishments once.
Why just once?
In most cases, we got what we came for and so so service–what you might expect from most retail businesses these days.
These flash sale web sites offer an unprecedented advantage to business owners–the ability to clearly identity first time patrons.
Why then did no owner, manager, cashier or server say to us… “Hello, I understand it’s your first time here. If there is anything I can do to make sure your visit is a great one, please let me know. Also, here’s a coupon for your next visit. We hope you come back.”
You get the idea.
Think of it as a relay race. Groupon is running the first leg (getting the customer to walk in) and the merchant is running the second leg (delivering an experience worth coming back for).
Most successful businesses do one thing very well. They know how to identify a new opportunity and capitalize on the moment. In essence, they don’t drop the baton.
A customer walking into your business for the first time is a new opportunity. It can change everything.
Seize the opportunity.Subscribe to Biz Crusader by Email

I first wrote about this 4 years ago. Now more than ever, I believe it is applicable.
Since first hearing the saying in college, the statement that has become a lifestyle for me is “You only get out of something what you put in to it”.
It’s a simple theory but I often find myself at an advantage over others because I am able and wiling to embrace this saying as a way to take on any task or situation. The saying can be applied anywhere including in business, parenting, physical well being and yes even in love or relationships.
In business, where are your limits? Are you willing to make cold calls? Are you wiling to go door to door? Are you willing to spend money to make money? Are you willing to sacrifice your weekends? Are you willing to work late? Are you willing to come down from your ivory tower and take on any task necessary to get the job done?
Whether you are an owner, manager, just starting your business career or even wanting to take a relationship to the next level, what you “WANT” ultimately is not a natural right as some might have you believe. What you “OBTAIN” is a direct result of what you put in to it.Subscribe to Biz Crusader by Email

The USA Swimming Nationals is going on right now in our city, Irvine, CA.
Like many of you, the only time I probably pay attention to swimming is during the Olympics. We forget sometimes the long and difficult road you must take to compete at these levels.
One of our friend’s son got the surprise of a lifetime yesterday. He is a huge fan of superstar swimmer, Ryan Lochte. Naturally, this 11 year old boy was cheering loudly and relentlessly for his favorite swimmer in the stands.
But after the contest is when something amazing happened. The 11-time Olympic Medalist walked up into the stands and awarded our friend’s son with the medal he had just won. He also spent some time with the star-eyed boy explaining and convincing him “he can do this too.”
What a CLASS ACT.
The attached photo is not a press photo. It’s actually a photo snapped by his Mom, our friend.
It takes courage to do the right thing but it takes something special inside you to do the right thing when no one is looking.Subscribe to Biz Crusader by Email